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NFL Draft Closes With Tight End Boom, Medical Slides and UDFA Scramble

The weekend underscored rising tight end value alongside the sway of medical grades.

Overview

  • Following Saturday's final rounds in Pittsburgh, teams rushed to sign undrafted free agents after 257 selections, with USA Today noting notable names like Heisman runner-up Diego Pavia going unpicked.
  • Nine tight ends were taken in the first three rounds, matching 2023’s early run, and 22 were drafted overall as clubs stocked up for heavier multiple–tight end sets.
  • Jacksonville used pick No. 56 on Texas A&M tight end Nate Boerkircher, and coach Liam Coen said he had dreamed of drafting him and that the team “definitely got tougher” with the choice.
  • A knee cartilage red flag sent Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy down the board until the Raiders grabbed him early on Day 3, ending one of the draft’s steepest medical-driven slides.
  • FanSided reported that no 2027 first-round picks were traded over the weekend, signaling teams guarded future capital with an eye on the expected strength of the 2027 class.